As an artist, promising or a prominent one, you must be curious to take part in juried art shows and steal all the spotlights! That is something you dream in your heart of hearts, as the challenge to win competitions and getting selected for online juried shows indeed is a big deal! You must be nervously awaiting verdicts of the jurors meticulously examining every brushstroke. For most artists, these shows are shrouded in mystery, a secretive world where art is dissected and decisions are made behind closed doors. But what really happens in a juried art show? In this blog, let’s pull back the curtain and explore the intricate process that transforms submissions into celebrated exhibitions.
It Starts with Open Call for Artists
Every juried art show begins with an inevitable call for entries—a call for artists to submit their artworks. This step sets the tone, as organizers define the theme, medium, eligibility, and submission guidelines. Whether it’s a local gallery seeking to spotlight regional talent or a prestigious national event, or an international art gallery like TERAVARNA, seeking entries for international art competitions, the call is designed to attract a specific genre of work.
Artists sift through these calls with their portfolios with a tinge of courage! This stage requires careful attention to detail. Overlooking a minor submission rule, like incorrect file formatting or missing artist statements, can lead to disqualification before the work even reaches the jury. So, be wary while submitting your artworks.
The Selection Process in an Online Painting Competition: From Chaos to Curation Online
Once submissions are in, the selection process begins. This phase is often the most mysterious to artists and audiences alike. A juried art show typically assembles a panel of jurors from the art fraternity—art professionals, curators, critics, and sometimes even established artists—who bring diverse perspectives to the jurying process.
Step 1: Pre-Screening
The first round of any juried art competition online is often a pre-screening stage. Jurors review digital submissions, which include high-quality images of the artwork, dimensions, and accompanying statements. Here, the goal is to identify pieces that align with the show’s theme or vision. Elimination is done in the initial stage, when the review is swift.
Step 2: Deliberation and Scoring
The shortlisted artworks undergo a more detailed evaluation. Jurors examine technical skills, originality, emotional impact, and how well the piece fits the overarching theme. Scoring systems vary, but they often involve a numeric scale or a ranking system. Jurors might debate the merits of specific pieces, amidst brainstorming and debates.
Step 3: Final Selections
After rounds of scoring and deliberation, the jury arrives at the final list of accepted works. The number of selected pieces depends on the quality of submissions. Some juried shows also include a ‘reserve list’ in case an accepted artist withdraws or fails to deliver their work on time.
The Judging Criteria: From the Jurors POV
So, how can you be sure how jurors are going to evaluate your artwork? They do not look for technical prowess alone. They definitely look for pieces that resonate, provoke thought, and push boundaries. Here are some common criteria:
Artistic Merit: Does the piece demonstrate mastery of the medium? Is the execution flawless, or does it use imperfections creatively?
Originality: Does the work offer a fresh perspective or reinterpret traditional themes in a compelling way?
Theme Alignment: How well does the piece reflect the exhibition’s purpose or theme?
Emotional Impact: Does the work evoke a strong emotional or intellectual response?
If you have been working closely with a contemporary art gallery online like TERAVARNA, you know that they are brilliant with the curation as the chosen works are carefully arranged to create a cohesive & engaging storyboard. They even let the artworks co-exist and share space in meaningful ways that complement and contrast each other in their virtual gallery.
Results of Online Art Shows: Boosting the Morale of Artists
Recognitions are common at juried shows, with the standout pieces taking up the prestigious virtual gallery space, just in case of TERAVARNA, one of the best online art galleries. Their extensive selection not only recognizes talent but also enhances the visibility for emerging artists.
From the Artist’s Perspective: Rewards Outweigh Risks
For artists, participating in a juried art show is a rollercoaster of emotions. The submission process put their creations up for scrutiny. Rejection is a real possibility, and even seasoned artists grapple with the sting of not making the cut. Yet, rewards are often more!
Acceptance can boost an artist’s reputation, provide networking opportunities, and generate future leads. Even rejection can be a learning experience that makes the artists push their creative boundaries further.
What Makes Juried Art Shows So Special?
Juried art shows stand apart from open exhibitions because of their selective nature. The curated experience offers viewers a sense of quality and cohesion, while artists benefit from the credibility that comes with being chosen by a panel of experts. These shows celebrate artistic excellence, inspiring dialogues between creators and the world at large.
Pulling Back the Curtain
Understanding the process behind a juried art show demystifies the experience and highlights the immense effort involved at every stage. For artists, it’s a chance to grow, challenge themselves, and connect with the broader art community. For viewers, it’s an opportunity to witness curated excellence and discover emerging talents.
So, the next time you attend a juried art show organized by the best online art galleries like TERAVARNA, remember the journey that each piece—and each artist—has taken to earn its place on the walls. Behind the curtain lies a world of passion, deliberation, and artistry, all coming together to create something truly amazing!
